Steering committee of community members may flag big changes in redevelopments
A review of the much-criticised urban renewal strategy officially began yesterday, with the announcement of a steering committee comprising community members and chaired by Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.
The independent committee formed under the Development Bureau was announced at a ceremony marking the refurbishment of the Wo Cheong Pawn Shop in Wan Chai. It will collect views on suggested roles and financial models for the Urban Renewal Authority and compensation for owners of dwellings involved in urban renewal. That process is seen as signalling possible big changes in redevelopment approaches.
The steering committee will oversee the review and propose changes to urban renewal policy. Present policy was promulgated in 2001 under a five-year plan for the authority.
In the light of increasing demand for preservation, Mrs Lam said a major review of guidelines was timely.
The committee's consultation document says that in the next six months, workshops and Web discussion forums will occur in a bid to identify key issues for review. Public discussion on more in-depth issues and solutions to urban renewal problems will occur in February next year and new a policy will be developed after a community consensus is reached in early 2010.